11 Things To Do In Kentucky When You Thought You’ve Done Everything
By Andrea Limke|Updated on July 25, 2023(Originally published November 05, 2018)
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
The wide variety of things to do in Kentucky may surprise a visitor, but locals know that the Bluegrass State offers just about everything. Whether you’re looking to spend time outdoors, dine on excellent food, or take a historic tour, it’s impossible to run out of unique things to do in Kentucky. However, if you’re feeling like you’ve done just about everything our state has to offer, then check out this list of 11 awesome things to do that you may never have considered but are so much fun!
1. Visit an abandoned ghost ship once used by Madonna.
USS Sachem Ruins, 2478 Lawrenceburg Ferry Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, USA
The USS Sachem is an abandoned boat that sits off the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. This dilapidated ship was once active in the Navy, was a tour boat in New York City, and served as the setting for one of Madonna's music videos. It now sits in shambles as one of the strangest spots in Kentucky. For more on this intriguing ship, check out our previous USS Sachem article.
2. Hang out at a Beer Farm.
West Sixth Farm, 4495 Shadrick Ferry Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
We have a lot of farms in Kentucky, but now we have our very own Beer Farm that's a perfect hangout spot. West Sixth Brewing opened West Sixth Farm. in Frankfort and you can go hiking, mountain biking, sample their local brews, and relax under the stars. All told, iit is a truly unique Kentucky destination.
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3. Sleep in a castle turret.
The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
The Kentucky Castle in Versailles is a dreamy destination where you can spend the night, dine at an incredible restaurant, and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If an overnight stay here isn't on your bucket list yet, it's time to add it! There's no doubt that this is one of the most unique places to visit in Kentucky!
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4. Take a selfie with a kangaroo.
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, 3700 L and North Turnpike Road, at Exit 58, I-65, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA
Located in Horse Cave, the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is a unique animal sanctuary where you can get up close and personal with exotic animals. While here, visitors can hang out with kangaroos, tropical birds, snakes, lemurs, bison, and many other wonderful creatures. Its a great place to bring the family for an afternoon or an entire day.
5. Take a walk with some dinosaurs.
Dinosaur World, 711 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Dinosaur World Kentucky in Cave City is home to over 100 life-size dinosaurs and is such a fun and unique attraction. There's really no other place like it and you can learn so much about these fascinating prehistoric creatures. Learn all about in our previous article Dinosaur World Kentucky article.
Everyone knows Kentucky has a Bourbon Trail, but did you know we are also home to a Beer Cheese Trail? This tasty endeavor will take you to the best restaurants around the state to taste-test some of Kentucky's favorite dips. Are your taste buds tantalized? Then read on to learn more about the Kentucky Beer Cheese Trail in our previous article.
7. Visit the creepiest museum in the world.
Transylvania University Monroe Moosnick Medical and Science Museum, 300 N Broadway, Lexington, KY 40507, USA
The Monroe Moosnick Medical and Science Museum is located on the campus of Transylvania University in Lexington. It houses historic medical equipment and artifacts dating back to the 1800s that are more than a little creepy, but equally fascinating to learn about. For more about this bone-chilling museum, check out our previous Monroe Moosnick Medical and Science Museum article.
8. Take a bald eagle boat tour.
Kentucky Dam Village, 166 Upper Village Dr, Gilbertsville, KY 42044, USA
In the winter, Kentucky State Parks hosts a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see beautiful bald eagles soaring above you. You'll board a yacht which will head out onto Kentucky Lake, where many of these incredible birds call home. Find out more about these tours that embark from beautiful Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.
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9. Spend time at a Monastery.
Abbey of Gethsemani, 3642 Monks Rd, Trappist, KY 40051, USA
The Abbey of Gethsemani is located about 12 miles from Bardstown and is a little-known destination that is truly a sight to behold. You can visit the grounds and learn its history, as well as enjoy the miles of hiking trails around the property.
10. Go back in time in a reopened Old West theme park.
Guntown Mountain, 101 Huckleberry Knob Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Once shuttered for many years, Froggett's Guntown Mountain finally reopened in Cave City. This immensely popular attraction was a favorite back in the day, and has been brought back to life for the next generations to enjoy. If you're looking for unique things to do in Kentucky, you simply can't miss this one!
One of the best and most unique ways to experience Kentucky is on a road trip that takes you to our state's beautiful waterfalls and delicious places for a glass of wine. This fun-filled little trip is the perfect thing to do when you want to appreciate just how scenic - and tasty - you will find the Bluegrass State. Learn more about this day trip in our previous article: This Day Trip Will Take You To The Best Wine And Waterfalls In Kentucky.
Even if you feel like you’ve done it all, Kentucky will surprise you with even more fun things to try and experience. Have you done many of the things on this list? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the best Kentucky hidden gems? What do you think is the most unique thing you can do in Kentucky? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you like road trips and waterfalls, we’ve got you covered! If you’d like to explore hikes around any of these destinations, you can find some great trails by visiting AllTrails+ and checking out our thoughts on some of the best trails in Kentucky.
If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video:
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More to Explore
More to Love about the Bluegrass State
Lysa Allman-Baldwin|July 25, 2023
Where can we go camping in Kentucky?
Renfro Valley KOA Holiday in Mt. Vernon is the best kid-friendly campground in the state.
Nolin Lake State Park in Mammoth Cave features RV, tent, and beach spots right on the lake.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mammoth Cave is a themed campground with traditional camping sites, an inflatable water park on the lake, and lots of other activities.
Harrodsburg, founded in 1774, is called the “Birthplace of the West” because is the oldest city in the state and the oldest American settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Berea is a y charming mountain town and where you’ll find the 9,000-acre Berea College Forest.
Paducah is an art-centered town known for its community events and the popular Paducah Historic Riverfront.
